In this 4-week short course, we’ll be looking at five novels (two just fairly quickly) and two short stories (provided by tutor) which use classics to contribute to their atmosphere.  We’ll start with a quick recap on the background to the genre, and how it creates the tension and secrecy that are key parts of it.

We’ll look these texts in order: R.F. Kuang’s Katabasis, which uses the plot of a descent into hell and classical imagery, and Babel, which focuses on the use of language (often ancient) and magic; Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi, which draws from the 18th century archaeologist/architect’s fascination with ancient buildings and great and secret knowledge; Joanne Harris’s Gentlemen and Players, exploring a Latin teacher’s role in the destruction of the staff in a private school, two short stories which use classical languages and ideas; and finally elements Doug Durst and JJ Abrams’s S, which is an ergodic text centred around a fictional novel called ‘Ship of Theseus’.

Reading the novels is recommended but not necessary as key extracts will be provided, within the guidelines for educational usage, and the plots will be summarised for attendees.  Kick start your summer classics reading!

The class will meet on Zoom on Wednesdays at 18:00-19:30 (BST). Dates for this course are 29th April, 6th May, 13th May and 20th May 2026.

Tutor: Dr Anactoria Clarke.

The class will proceed subject to a minimum number of enrolments.

Cancellation policy: students will receive a full refund if the student cancels their registration more than two weeks before the class begins. Students will receive 50% refund if the student cancels their registration 8-14 days before the class begins.